The number of states with lawmakers proposing online casino legalization continues to grow as Massachusetts joins the list.
Sen. Paul Feeney and Rep. Daniel Cahill have introduced companion bills to legalize online casino gambling in the Bay State. The bills are SD 2240 and HD 4084.
While lawmakers across the country have introduced legalization bills, the efforts are taking place at a time when the US online gambling industry faces growing scrutiny. Still, governors are also considering online gambling expansion as a way to bring in much-needed tax revenue.
Massachusetts online casino bills
The pair of bills would allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to regulate and license online casinos in the state.
Each of the state’s three casinos could partner with up to two operators. Up to four companies could also qualify for untethered licenses to operate online casino platforms.
They could operate poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, cards, slots and other casino games.
The bills would set a tax rate of 20%. Licensees would pay $5 million for an initial five-year license and then a $5 million renewal fee for five-year periods.
US expansion efforts
This week, lawmakers tabled an online gambling expansion effort in Virginia. They hope to study the industry further and make a full-fledged effort in 2026.
In Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker said he might consider adding online casino legalization to his budget proposal in hopes of helping erase a $3 billion deficit. Similarly, Maryland faces a $3 billion deficit as the General Assembly looks to legalize online casino gambling after an effort passed the House in 2024.
Other states have legislation in the works, including Indiana, New York and Wyoming.
Massachusetts gambling bills
Lawmakers in the Bay State could see plenty of gambling discussion this year.
Sen. John Keenan has already introduced bill SD 1657 this session. His legislation mirrors the federal SAFE Bet Act and would implement many strong responsible gambling guidelines.
Keenan’s bill also would raise the sports betting tax rate to 51% from 20%. He proposed a similar tax hike last year, which was soundly defeated.
